Ruben Amorim plotting shock £50m transfer raid on Sporting’s biggest rivals

RUBEN AMORIM is already working to strengthen his Manchester United defence.

The new United boss wants Benfica's rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50m deal for the centre-back when the transfer window opens in January.

Amorim will meet with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday and discuss a transfer for Araujo.

Araujo has been a mainstay of the Portuguese giants' team this season, partnering former Manchester City stopper Nicolas Otamendi in the backline.

The Red Devils have had significant injury problems at the back this season and Amorim immediately set his sights on his compatriot, who won his first international cap last week.

Araujo, a product of Benfica's academy, was targeted by Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Yet Benfica bosses have rejected the measures, although some of Europe's top clubs are closely monitoring the situation.

He started eight games in the Portuguese league this season, with one assist, helping Bruno Lage's side bounce back from the sacking of Roger Schmidt in October.

Benfica have lost just one match since Araujo started playing a regular run of games – he has also started in the last four matches in the Champions League.

SunSport understands that new Old Trafford boss Amorim has added Araujo to his wanted list as he begins United's rebuild.

Araujo has all the qualities that Amorim is looking for: he is 1.80 meters tall, a good passer of the ball and physically strong, with a lot of room for improvement.

He can play centrally or on the right side of defense and is considered the best candidate to emerge from Portugal's most productive youth academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias.

The Portuguese rising star has a release clause of 100 million euros as Benfica consider him one of their main assets.

SunSport understands that super agent Jorge Mendes, who has guided the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, is trying to build a close working relationship with Amorim.

However, the Old Trafford boss does things his way.

A source close to Amorim told SunSport: “Ruben wants everyone to be on the same page. He won't change the way he works.”